Welcome to Horror Explorer, your monthly guide to the best spooky movies, series, books, and more. I’m William Earl, the editor of Variety.com and your go-to horror enthusiast.
“The Woman in the Yard” (In theaters March 28 via Universal Pictures)
Jaume Collet-Serra, known for his work on the Carry-On series, returns to the horror genre with this eerie family drama. The story follows a woman in black who unexpectedly appears in a family’s front yard in the middle of the day. Her presence seems to signal impending doom. Early footage suggests an atmospheric film, with a gripping mystery that promises to hold the audience’s attention.
“The Rule of Jenny Pen” (In theaters March 7 via Shudder)
Starring Geoffrey Rush and John Lithgow, this unsettling and bloody murder mystery unfolds within the confines of a retirement home.
Rush portrays a judge who is partially paralyzed after a stroke, while Lithgow plays an eccentric resident who uses a puppet and enjoys ruining the lives of others. This small, shocking film offers a fresh and unique addition to the horror lineup this year.
“Opus” (In theaters March 14 via A24)
Ayo Edebiri and John Malkovich star in this suspenseful cult thriller. Malkovich plays a reclusive pop superstar who invites Edebiri, along with a group of journalists and influencers, to his private compound to hear his new album. But as strange and creepy events unfold during the trip, the story intensifies, making this a must-watch for thriller fans.
Written and directed by Mark Anthony Green, Opus delivers an unsettling exploration of fame and paranoia.
“The Buffalo Hunter Hunter” by Stephen Graham Jones (Available March 18 via S&S/Saga Press)
From the author of My Heart Is a Chainsaw and I Was a Teenage Slasher, Jones returns with a historical thriller set in the early 1900s.
The novel follows a vampire who is intertwined with Native American culture and history. Jones once again blends horror and culture in a unique and captivating narrative.
“Splinter Effect” by Andrew Ludington (Available March 18 via Minotaur Books)
Not quite horror, but still a thrilling read, Splinter Effect mixes sci-fi and pulp adventure. The story follows an archaeologist who travels to ancient Rome to retrieve an important artifact—a menorah. Along the way, he must face off against a rival treasure hunter and numerous historical obstacles. Though not strictly horror, this light, action-packed tale will appeal to genre fans looking for a quick and exciting read.
South by Southwest 2025 (March 7–15)
The annual South by Southwest (SXSW) festival in Austin features a robust Midnighter section this year. Notable films include Hallow Road, a thriller starring Rosamund Pike; Redux Redux, an ambitious revenge story set in parallel universes; and Good Boy, a chilling film about a dog that can see ghosts. SXSW promises a thrilling lineup for horror enthusiasts.
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